PHYSICAL EDUCATION TEACHER EDUCATION M.S.

May 13, 2024

Next Start Date

Courses Required

$673

Cost Per Credit Hour

Total Credit Hours

Online Asynchronous

Learning Format

Lead Healthy and Active Schools

Are you a teaching professional with a demanding schedule, who needs to balance work and family with higher education? The Physical Education Teacher Education (PETE) degree is offered fully online and is a part-time program for teachers seeking professional development and career advancement. Skills you will learn include: designing and implementing comprehensive school activity programs; creating evidence-based curriculum and instructional models in physical education and sport; integrating instructional technology in the gymnasium, classroom and sports arena; and implementing physical activity programs for school-aged children.

The curriculum is aligned with advanced teaching standards (Professional Knowledge, Practice and Leadership) established by the Society for Health and Physical Educators.

The online courses in this program are taught by faculty who are nationally and internationally recognized leaders in their fields. This is a non-licensure program in West Virginia, however, and does not provide initial teaching certification in physical education as it is based on national advanced teaching standards. Prior to enrolling in this program, students who are seeking a pathway to an initial teaching license are encouraged to check with their state departments of education to see if the plan of study meets their requirements for an alternative certification pathway (see the WVDE Alternative Certification Program as an example).

Two physical education teachers with several young kids.

The Physical Education Teacher Education degree from the College of Applied Human Sciences prepares teaching professionals to lead healthy and active schools or to work with students in community recreation centers or sports arenas. All students will complete a 30-hour curriculum that incorporates research methodology, instructional technology, assessment standards, motor development for special populations, principles of effective teaching, school physical activity, and supervision and advocacy. The unique sequencing of theoretical courses and applied labs allows teachers to apply concepts immediately with learners in their own K-12 classrooms.

Attend a Virtual Information Session

Thank you for your interest in the Physical Education Teacher Education M.S. program at West Virginia University! Attend a Virtual Information Session and learn more about the Physical Education Teacher Education M.S. program.

May 7, noon May 7, 6:00 p.m.

Kelly Legg, Personal Online Admissions Coach

Kelly is here to help.

Kelly Legg, Your Personal Online Admissions Coach

As a graduate of the WVU with a degree in business administration, Kelly understands your needs and is here to support and simplify the enrollment process for you. You can have open and honest discussions with her about how your passion in life can become your career. Contact Kelly today!

Learn More About Kelly Request Information

Contact

Email: Kelly.Legg@mail.wvu.edu
Phone: (304) 293-0112
Virtual Session: Schedule a virtual session with me

Online Physical Education Teacher Education Admission Requirements

Applicants should hold a baccalaureate degree with a cumulative GPA of at least 2.75 on a 4.0 scale. They should have access to youth (children and adolescents) in school-based physical education or community physical activity/sports settings throughout the duration of the program for course assignments and follow-up application tasks.

Students may be admitted provisionally with a GPA of 2.75 or lower; however, provisional students must earn a 3.0 in the first 9 hours of coursework to continue in the program.

Pay the graduate application fee
Resume highlighting professional background, experience, and qualifications
Professional statement: 1-2 written pages on professional goals and reasons for seeking admission
Request official transcripts from all institutions attended (other than WVU) and
1. Mail to:
  WVU Office of Graduate Admissions
  One Waterfront Place
  PO Box 6510
  Morgantown, WV 26506-6510
2. or Email to: GraduateAdmissions@mail.wvu.edu

No GRE is required. International students must submit TOEFL scores.

Application Deadlines

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until August 1 for a fall term start, December 15 for a spring term start, and May 1 for a summer term start.

Apply Now

Courtney Hudnall profile image.

Courtney Hudnall

Physical Education Teacher Education M.S.

"Being that I am a PE teacher, I felt that this would increase my knowledge and help me to become a better PE teacher. They helped me in so many ways."

"I chose teaching because I wanted to do something that would have an impact on others while also doing the things I love. I love athletics. I also had an amazing PE teacher in elementary school who, to this day, is one of my role models,” Hudnall said. “So, when choosing a career, teaching PE seemed like a no-brainer. It has been so rewarding and worthwhile."

Hudnall was interested in earning a master's degree and discovered that WVU had an online Physical Education Teacher Education program.

While in the program, Hudnall says that each CPASS faculty member supported her success.

"They helped me in so many ways. They all were extremely easy to talk to and immensely helpful. Sean Bulger was one faculty member who I reached out to for a letter of recommendation," she said. "He was one professor who I would email about any uncertainty or advice with assignments or the program."

"As a faculty we are extremely proud of Courtney and this significant professional accomplishment. It was clear from her first day in the program that Courtney excelled at the fundamentals of effective instruction, while also demonstrating an innovative orientation as a teacher-leader in her school," Bulger, professor and associate dean for graduate and online education, said. "Our priority is that our graduate students can take and apply the knowledge and skills developed across the curriculum back to their local K-12 schools for the benefit of the learners in their classrooms. Courtney exemplifies that approach."

Hudnall, from White Sulphur Springs, W. Va., explains a typical day at school.

"I arrive at 7:15 a.m. to prep the gymnasium for an exciting lesson and greet students in the hall. My first class starts at 8 a.m. I take attendance, we do warm up laps to music and play a high energy game to get the heart pumping,” she said. “Then we get into the lesson/skill that I am teaching. I instruct K-5 all day for 45 minutes each, with my last class ending at 2:45."

Hudnall suggests that if incoming students are uncertain about whether to enroll in the PETE online program, they should take the leap.

"I learned so much. I was able to incorporate things I learned right away. The professors are extremely helpful and want to see that you have an understanding and succeed," she said.

As a true supporter of sports, Hudnall says that she is a huge soccer fan.

"WVU Women’s Soccer team is my favorite."

Hudnall was nominated for the award by school staff. After reviewing applications, the Board of Education selected winners for Elementary Teacher of the Year, Secondary Teacher of the Year and an overall Greenbrier County Teacher of the Year. Hudnall plans to submit additional information to be considered for the West Virginia Teacher of the Year award.

Tuition, Fees, and Financial Aid

Financial aid is available. Students are encouraged to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form to determine their eligibility for federal and state funds as well as scholarships. WVU’s FAFSA Code is 003827. Please contact the WVU Financial Aid Office at (304) 293-5242 or financialaid.wvu.edu for additional information.

The Physical Education Teacher Education M.S. requires 30 credit hours to complete. Cost per credit hour is $673.
$20,190 – Residents and Non-Residents

Tuition and fees are usually not the only educational expenses you may have while pursuing a degree. You may have other costs such as books, supplies and living expenses. Please see the Estimate Costs and Aid webpage for how to estimate and plan for other potential expenses.

Your future in Physical Education Teacher Education

The Benefits to Choosing Our Program

The Master of Science in Physical Education Teacher Education offered by the College of Applied Human Sciences is designed to prepare you to be a leader in the field of physical education and to positively affect the lives of today’s youth, helping them to reach their full potential.
The curriculum is designed to meet the Advanced Teacher Education Standards from the Society of Health and Physical Educators. To meet these advanced standards, faculty use a contemporary, issues-based approach that enables students to immediately apply the educational theory and concepts learned in their own K-12 schools and communities.
As a member of the Big XII Conference, West Virginia University is home to one of the nation’s premier college athletic programs. This backdrop provides you with access to a world-class network of physical education professionals including university faculty and staff, program alumni and organizational partners. Courses also afford frequent opportunities to build connections with your many colleagues in the program. Graduates become their own best resource!

Career Outlook for Physical Education

Students who graduate from WVU Online with a Physical Education Teacher Education M.S. degree will prepare themselves for the following careers. These are only a few examples of some of the many opportunities open to you with this degree.

Adapted Physical Education Specialists
Projected Growth: 7-10% *Bright Outlook

Physical Education Professors
Projected Growth: 7-10% *Bright Outlook

Coaches and Scouts
Projected Growth: 11% or higher *Bright Outlook

Education Administrators - Elementary and Secondary
Projected Growth: 4-6%

Information about careers on this list comes from the Occupational information network (O*NET) of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and TrainingAdministration (USDOL/ETA).

Course	Title	Credit Hours
PET 515	Research Methodology in Physical Education	3
PET 545	Standards-Based Assessment in Physical Education	3
PET 565	Curriculum in Physical Education	3
PET 573	Instructional Technology in Sport and Physical Education	2
PET 574	Curriculum in Physical Education - Advanced Laboratory	2
PET 575	Effective Teaching in Physical Education - Advanced Laboratory	2
PET 576	Motor Development for Special Populations - Advanced Laboratory	2
PET 577	School Physical Activity and Technology - Advanced Laboratory	2
PET 580	School Physical Activity	3
PET 581	Motor Development in Special Populations	3
PET 583	Principles of Effective Teaching	3
PET 585	Physical Education Supervision and Advocacy	2

Total Hours: 30

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Does It Take to Complete an Online Masters in Physical Education Teacher Education?

Since we require 30 credits to complete the program, it will take as little as two years to complete. Since its online, students can take their time with each course based on their availability.

What kind of jobs can I get with a Physical Education Teacher Education Master's Degree?

There are many career paths a student could take with a Physical Education Teacher Education Master’s Degree, including:

Athletic Administrator
Athletic Director
Physical Education Professor
Physical Education Director
Physical Education Camp Director
Physical Education Writer/Blogger

What jobs are the highest paid in Physical Education?

Curious about which careers would yield the highest salary? Here are the following highest-paid jobs in the Physical Education Teacher field:

Athletic Director - $121,936 according to Salary.com
Recreation and Fitness Studies Teacher (postsecondary) - $72,440 according to Onetonline.org
Adapted Physical Education Specialist - $61,720 according to Onetonline.org
Physical Education Teacher - $66,587 according to Glassdoor.com

Become a problem solver.

Be a decision maker. First, your degree. World-class academics at an exceptional value.

Occasionally a student will encounter an issue with an online course that he or she doesn’t know how to resolve. Should this occur, please visit the link below.

Internal Student Complaint Process